The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1887-04-27
Selrtteo Storp.


ruler, anu Wnen lneN lOOkcu upon his
white hair and his aging form they
were troubled, wondering who would
be his successor. When, therefore, the
king made known his desire to choose
youth whom he should adopt as his
son and rightful heir to the throne
there was not in all Avonia one dis
senting voice.
Far in the north of the kingdom,
where green hills shut in small hamlet,
lived a shepherd named Konrad. He
was handsome, athletic lad, fine of
form and kind of heart.
For twelve years Konrad had re-
ceived daily instruction from the village
clergyman, man rich in book-learning
and deep in wisdom. Now, his educa-
ton being considered finished, he
minded his mothers flocks on the pleas
ant hill-sides, while he dreamed of the
day when he should be of age and his
younger brother should be old enough
to take his place at home and to care
for the silver-haired mother, and he
could 90 out into the world beyond
those hills to seek his fortune. When,
however, he heard of the proclamation
that was published abroad, in which the
king commanded all young men who
were DESTROYS of competing for the
princedom to present themselves at the
royal palace without delay, he resolved
to wait at home no longer, but to enter
the contest for the kings favor.
AT first Konrad's mother was loath
to part with him.
Thou art too young" she argued.
Thou wilt not be of age for three years.
If thou goest fear that some evil will
haf I Il, tI,o,n
again. AS for the princedom, there
are many mobiles in the land who will
be far more likely to secure it than
thou, who art but poor shepherd lad"
But, MOTHER" urged Konrad, the
contest is open alike to all classes. The
princedom is not to be granted to him
of most noble birth, but to him who
shall best please the king for so l read
it this very day. That there will be
many competitors l doubt not" con-
tinued Konrad but whether there be
ten or ten thousand, only one can win,
and my heart asks, why can it not be
/ as we'll as another?' He who never
tries never succeeds. And if | be
tested and be found wanting, shall at
least have learned something concern
ing myself which may be of use to me
in the future. know that the tasks
set by the king will be difficult and the
trials hard, but he is tender as we'll as
just, and," said Konrad, modestly, /" l
am not afraid"
The heart of Konrads mother had
been touched by the words of her son.
&C.," she said; "my foolish fears
shall not stay thee. But would coun-
sci thee about few things"
Il beg thee to speak freely" said
Konrad. "Thou hast ever been my
guide, and such thou shalt be so long as
we both live"
Then spoke the mother:
:" Be courteous to all, but let thy
words be few. Talk not of myself to
strangers, and waste no time in idle
boasting. Remember that man is
Judged not by what he thinks he can
do, but by what he does. Do whatever
the king commands thee, according to
thine ability, and never doubt his wis
dom. Be calm and prudent, and let
nothing tempt thee to do evil, not even
the love of life itself. Do right and
fear naught. And if thou dost not
gain the princedom, remember thou
hast still mothers love-"
&C. will give heed to thy admoni-
tions,' said Konrad; "and now bless
me, my mother, before | 60"
Then the mother laid her hand upon
the thick curls which covered the bowed
head, with these words:
" May the blessing of heaven rest
upon thee, and may the God of thy
fathers be with thee and keep thee,
and if it please him, grant thee thy
hearts DESIRE"
On arriving at the royal city Konrad
found it to be crowded with guests.
Many had come, like himself, in the
hope of gaining the kings favor,
others that they might witness the feats
of strength and skill which would doubt
less be performed by the contestants
for the princedom. AT the time APP
pointed Konrad presented himself at
the kings palace.
Then followed close inspection of
the five thousand and one candidates.
AS the king rode up and down among
his young subjects his heart grew warm
and his eyes bright, noting their manly
forms and noble bearing. 1t was a
pleasant sight-the king, erect in his
saddle, his flowing hair and beard of
snowy-white in beautiful contrast to
his coal-black charger, and the sea of
handsome, eXpectant faces turned
toward him in respect and admiration.
This review, which was conducted en-
tirely by the king and the court surgeon
continued for many days. AT its close
four thousand one hundred seventy
youths turned their sorrowful faces
homeward. Eight hundred thirty-one
were retained as being perfect in
physique. These were fed and lodged al
the kings expense. Among them was
Konrad
The next trial was formal eXamina-
ton in general intelligence and practi-
cal knowledge of men and things
Five hundred fifty-seven passed the
test, according to the kings standard.
Among them was Konrad.
The third contest was one of physi-
cal strength, and all were found to be
equally strong. Then their bravery
and daring were put to the proof, and
10! not one of the number was lacking
in courage. A test of nobility of char
acter threw out three hundred two OF
the two hundred fifty-fve remaining
one was Konrad. These were tried tc
determine their sweetness of temper
but. alas when the ordeal was ended